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Gannet rescued as fishing litter again hits Wales’ wildlife

A gannet has been rescued by RSPCA Cymru after becoming caught in fishing litter on Towyn Beach in Rhyl.

The charity says the incident highlights the “massive dangers” which fishing litter poses to the nation’s wildlife.

RSPCA Cymru attended on 9 July to find the gannet sat in the middle of a pebble beach, making no obvious attempt to move away from members of the public.

An RSPCA officer found the seabird with fishing lure with treble hooks and fishing line wrapped tightly around the right leg and wing.

The fishing line was preventing the gannet from walking, or flying, and the bird was taken into RSPCA care, and transferred to specialist wildlife facilities.

Rehabilitation of the bird is now on-going, with the fishing litter removed, and support given to tend to leg swelling. The bird will now remain at the RSPCA Stapeley Grange Wildlife Centre in Nantwich until it is ready to be returned to the wild.

Fishing litter, such as hooks, weights and lines, can cause injury and death to wildlife, by embedding or piercing skin, being swallowed, becoming wrapped around an animal, or entangling wildlife which can lead to starvation.

The charity publishes top tips for anglers, to help ensure fishing litter is disposed of appropriately.

“Fortunately, we were able to rescue this gannet, who is now undergoing rehabilitation at a specialist wildlife facility. But not all animals trapped in fishing litter are as lucky as this gannet.

“RSPCA Cymru continues to urge anglers to always take unwanted line home and dispose safely of rubbish to help protect wildlife.”

Should you wish to help the RSPCA with its animal welfare work, you can give £3 now by texting LOVE to 87023 (text costs £3 + one standard network rate message). We are a charity and rely on public donations to exist.